The Voice of Youth in the Action Plan
Actively involving young people in developing the youth center’s action plan is an important step in fostering their sense of participation and responsibility. Children aged 7–11 are able to successfully express their interests and ideas when provided with a safe and supportive environment. One effective way to do this is through a monthly brainstorming session, during which young people can freely suggest activities and topics. Young people’s opinions matter and have a real impact on the life of the youth center. In addition to the idea generator, it is important to gather ongoing feedback on daily activities to understand what resonates with young people and what needs to be changed. The youth worker’s role here is to guide: to help make ideas more concrete, then link them to an action plan, and involve partners as needed. Even with younger children, simple tools such as voting, drawing, or discussion circles can be used. In a young person’s life, everything changes very quickly: what they might have liked two weeks ago will soon be […]
Let’s celebrate the Tartu Youth Work Center’s eighth anniversary together!
The Tartu Youth Work Center will turn eight on May 2, 2026. We will celebrate the birthday together with the youth on Tuesday, May 5. The center’s director, development manager, project manager, administrative manager, executive assistant, and information specialist will visit the youth centers. Together, we’ll eat cake, play games, and do Kahoot! At Lilles and Lillekes from 3:00–3:45 p.m., at Ilmatsalu from 4:00–4:45 p.m., and at Annes and Annekes from 5:15–6:00 p.m.—come celebrate with us!
The Tartu Work Brigade is opening its anniversary exhibition today at the Tartu City Museum!
Today, April 17 at 4 p.m., the Tartu Youth Work Brigade’s 30th anniversary exhibition will open in the courtyard of the Tartu City Museum, bringing together brigade members from different generations and telling the story of how young people’s work habits have evolved over three decades. For many young people aged 13–19, the Tartu Youth Work Brigade has been their first encounter with working life. Over the course of thirty years, thousands of young people from Tartu have participated in the brigade, for whom it has been […]
Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion — Our German Learning Mobility Program
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in youth work mean creating a safe and supportive environment where differences are not only acknowledged but also genuinely valued and encouraged. This means ensuring equal access, active participation, and a sense of belonging for all young people. This approach goes beyond merely taking into account differences in origin, gender, abilities, or orientation; it is aimed at removing barriers, expanding opportunities for smaller and minority groups, and ensuring their full inclusion in all activities. It was precisely inclusion in its broadest sense that […]
For Your Information: Sleep as a Superpower
With the arrival of spring—accompanied by birdsong and the awakening of nature—comes a period that is stressful and hectic for so many young people and adults alike. Whether it’s graduation, the final stages of various projects, or simply the restlessness that comes with anticipation of summer. During this time, it’s important to take care of your health and maintain your routines, one of the most important of which is maintaining a healthy sleep routine. Night owl or early bird? Of course […]
Connected internationally! A week in Latvia—fun, interesting, and memorable!
Eight young people from the Tartu Youth Work Center had the amazing opportunity to take part in the “Toolbox for Tomorrow” youth exchange in Latvia, which focused on digital tools, environmental development, design, and storytelling. Over 40 young people from Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Italy, and Hungary took part in the youth exchange. On March 7, we set off with the group from Tartu train station toward Valmiera to join the “Toolbox for […]
The Erasmus+ project gave young people the opportunity to organize their own esports event
At the end of February, the A. Le Coq Sport sports hall was filled with e-sports enthusiasts when the Game in Tartu 2026 festival dedicated to gaming culture took place. Over the course of two days, nearly 500 people from all over Estonia visited the event, 20 organizations introduced their activities, and more than 50 organizers and volunteers contributed to the success of the festival. As part of Game in Tartu 2026, visitors had the opportunity to try out games created by students […]
The Tartu Youth Work Brigade is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new visual identity
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Tartu Youth Work Brigade. This is a significant milestone that demonstrates Tartu’s consistent commitment to providing young people with their first work experiences, fostering their independence, and developing their social skills. To mark the anniversary, the work camp has also received a new visual identity that uses vibrant colors to reflect the energy of young people and brings together symbols that are important to the camp participants. The new branding was created by Melani-Marite […]
School Break City Camp – One Day, One Place, Lots of Fun!
We put together a varied program for every school break, but City Camp Day is the most special day of the entire break. On this day, Tartu’s youth gather at a single youth center. While all five centers are usually open, during City Camp, activities take place in just one location. This gives young people the chance to visit a place they might not otherwise get to on a daily basis. This is how new […]
Physical activity with young people and its benefits
Where and how to get young people moving when they don't want to leave their phones at all? We regularly organize activity days at Annekeskus and also offer movement opportunities on other days, encouraging young people to step out of the virtual world, even if only for a moment. Fridays are activity days at Annekeskus. Sometimes we go to a museum, sometimes to an art exhibition, sometimes we just walk around town or try something more active. Recently we went ice skating at Lõunakeskus ice rink and it […]